Topic Intelligence

Regulation & Policy

AI governance is moving from principle to enforcement. The EU AI Act entered force in 2024 as the world's first comprehensive AI regulatory framework. The US has pursued a voluntary standards-first approach via NIST, while China has issued specific regulations on generative AI. Geopolitical tensions are turning AI governance into a sovereignty issue.

Trend:The EU is actively enforcing its AI Act with GPAI (General Purpose AI) rules entering effect. US elections and executive orders are reshaping the federal approach. Export controls on chips are functioning as a de facto AI policy instrument.
Risks
  • Regulatory fragmentation across jurisdictions
  • Compliance costs disadvantaging smaller labs
  • Extraterritorial reach conflicts
  • Regulatory capture by incumbents
Opportunities
  • RegTech for AI compliance automation
  • Trusted AI certification market
  • Policy consulting and legal advisory
  • Sandbox programs enabling controlled experimentation
Key Players
EU CommissionNISTFTCUS CongressUK DSITChina MIITGPAI PartnershipIEEE